KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – 'Raider' Brigade mourns the loss of one of our own, who died, March 10, in Kandahar City of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
Staff Sgt. Eric Stanley Trueblood, a 27-year-old native of Alameda, Calif., was assigned to 723rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, Spinelli Barracks, Mannheim, Germany. The 723rd EOD Company is currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
“Eric was an exceptional leader who led from the front regardless of the danger, said Capt. Patrick J. Motto, commander, 723rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “He loved being an EOD soldier and prided himself on his professionalism and competence.”
Trueblood enlisted in the Army as a light wheel vehicle mechanic, May 15, 2003. After completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, he reported to Fort Irwin, Calif., Nov. 17, 2003, to serve as a light wheel mechanic with 699th Maintenance Company, 1916th Support Battalion, 916th Support Brigade.
Trueblood deployed to Kuwait February 2004 with the 699th Maintenance Company for 12 months before returning to Fort Irwin. He deployed to Afghanistan with the 699th again in February 2006, to serve a 12 month combat deployment.
On Nov. 16, 2007, Trueblood reported to Redstone Arsenal, Ala., to receive training as an explosives ordnance disposal specialist. Upon completion of his training, Trueblood reported to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., for advanced training as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist.
Upon completion of advanced EOD training, Trueblood reported to Spinelli Barracks in Mannheim, Germany, to serve as an EOD sergeant with 723rd EOD Company, 391st CSS Bn., 16th Sustainment BDE.
Trueblood deployed to Afghanistan with the 723rd EOD Company, in June 2010.
‘We were lucky to have a non-commissioned officer like Staff Sgt. Trueblood attached to our unit, and we will remember his dedication to the mission, his inspirational leadership and his courage,” said Motto.
Trueblood is survived by his mother, Linda L. Trueblood, and his father, Donald C. Trueblood.
A memorial in Staff Sgt. Eric Stanley Trueblood’s honor will be held in Afghanistan.